ZeniMax Media Takes Over id Software

ZeniMax Media Inc., parent company of game publisher Bethesda Softworks, on Thursday announced it has completed the acquisition of legendary game studio, id Software. The acquisition by ZeniMax Media joins together two respected video game developers in the world, combining the first person shooter (FPS) expertise of id Software with acclaimed role playing game (RPG) developer Bethesda Game Studios. Bethesda Softworks will publish the titles of id Software other than upcoming releases previously committed to other publishers.

The acquisition of id Software is hardly surprising. The company launches new titles rather rarely and since sales of video games have dropped due to the global economic recession, the amount of resources that id has have decreased and without new titles in sight, the firm might run into a difficult financial situation.

"This was a unique opportunity to team with a smart, sophisticated publisher like Bethesda Softworks where the interests of the studio and the publisher will be fully aligned in the development and marketing of our titles. In addition, we will now have financial and business resources to support the future growth of id Software, a huge advantage which will result in more and even better games for our fans," said Todd Hollenshead, chief executive officer of id Software.

id Software will continue to operate as a studio under the direction of its founder, John Carmack. No changes will be made in the operations of id Software in the development of its games. All the principals at id Software have signed long-term employment contracts, assuring they will continue in their roles developing games at the studio.

"This puts id Software in a wonderful position going forward. We will now be able to grow and extend all of our franchises under one roof, leveraging our capabilities across multiple teams while enabling forward looking research to be done in the service of all of them. We will be bigger and stronger, as we recruit the best talent to help us build the landmark games of the future. As trite as it may be for me to say that I am extremely pleased and excited about this deal, I am," said John Carmack, who will continue to serve in his current role as technical director.